Methods and systems for enabling the collaborative management of information based upon user interest

Abstract

A centrally managed system (100) is provided which enables the collaborative management by users (108) of information. Through the establishment of metadata schema (300) and the collection and persistent storage of metadata (500, 1900), the system provides users (100) with richly enabled features for managing information and performing collaborative activities. These features include the ability to easily find, recall and share a rich variety of information types with other users (100).

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 642,685 filed Jan. 10, 2005. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket no. J112U002US00) filed on same date herewith, titled: METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENABLING THE COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION USING PERSISTENT METADATA; by Karaev, I. and Mahoney, J. and to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket no. J112U003US00) filed on same date herewith, titled: METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENABLING THE COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION USING CONTROLLED ACCESS ELECTRONIC WORKSPACE, by Karaev, I. and Mahoney, J., the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to information management and more particularly to an information collaboration and exchange system based on user-defined interest. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTI...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unlike their physical counterparts, the costs of digital packaging and electronic delivery of all types of information have moved very close to zero.

This decrease in the complexities and costs associated with sharing data has given rise to an exponential increase in the amount of content available in any number of digital formats.

Each data type presents its own challenges with respect to sorting, finding and use by an end-user.

For example, until recently, it has been nearly impossible to search audio and video files based on the content of those files.

In addition to the challenge of searching and finding Internet-based data of interest, significant additional challenges arise once data is actually found and moved to a user's personal computer or workspace.

Once stored locally, organizing, retrieving and using personal computer-based data provides many of the same challenges as finding data on the Internet.

While on the surface appearing beneficial, the efficiency and pervasiveness of digital data communications, and particularly Internet delivery, has in many cases eroded the value of the content being delivered by it.

Without the constraint of real costs, the ability of individuals and other entities to generate and distribute content in all

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